Art on London's Subway Keeps the Commuters Coming Back

There's art in London's Underground (subway) system, and it's no accident. It's all part of Art on the Underground: a programme to bring excellent art and design to Tube riders. And make riding the subway more enjoyable.

It's quite a goal and quite a legacy. The programme has been going since 2003. Here's a survey of the rich offerings, by subway stop, on view right now.

2. Notting Hill

Hard Metal Body, by Alice Channer is at Notting Hill subway stop. These images of elliptical rings in different sizes go up and down the whole length of the escalator walls, on either side, creating a continuous piece of art work. They seem to float above the handrails. As you move up or down the escalator, the rings seem to move with you, like in a flip book.

3. Green Park

Sea Strata is outside the entrance to the Green Park tube. It is a stunning mural, made out of Portland stone, a limestone that continues to be used for many of London’s buildings. It's a lovely creamy colour and is a transition between the (Green) park beyond and the busy street. The floor is paved with granite from various countries, each slab marked with a spiral.

4. Gloucester Road

Big Ben, by Sarah Morris is a big piece of work; spanning eighteen arches across the entire length of the disused subway platform. It's a moving riot of colour and geometry that you can see out of the subway car windows as you enter and leave the platform. Big Ben is the starting point, with references to architecture and time and movement.

5. Central Line

The artist Michael Landy encouraged commuters to commit "Acts of Kindness" by submitting short stories of kindness that they have seen or experienced on the Central line of the London subway system. The sometimes touching stories are posted on the walls.